Early-Career Research Scientist/Engineer- Aerosol & Environmental

About the role

ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers. The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

About the role

• Support aerosol and aerobiology research, including the generation, sampling, characterization, and evaluation of biological and chemical aerosols in controlled experimental environments
• Contribute to laboratory, field, and applied research projects addressing environmental and public health questions
• Assist with the design, setup, execution, and documentation of scientific experiments and testing programs
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot scientific instruments, aerosol measurement systems, sampling equipment, and experimental test systems
• Support the generation, collection, processing, and characterization of biological, chemical, and environmental samples, as required by project needs
• Perform laboratory activities that may include aerosol generation and measurement, microbiological techniques, environmental sampling, and chemical or physical analyses
• Assist with the design, development, integration, and testing of experimental hardware, instrumentation, and innovative research systems
• Collect, manage, analyze, interpret, and visualize experimental and environmental data
• Troubleshoot, maintain, modify, and repair laboratory and field equipment
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, project documentation, and data files
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, presentations, procedures, protocols, and other project deliverables
• Support the implementation of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) activities
• Follow all applicable laboratory, field, biosafety, health, and safety procedures
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers on a variety of research and technical assignments

Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. degree in environmental, mechanical, chemical, biomedical, or related engineering; chemistry; physics; microbiology; environmental science; atmospheric science; or a related scientific or technical discipline
• 0-4 years of relevant professional experience
• Hands-on experience in a laboratory, field, engineering, or other technical environment gained through academic research, internships, employment, or comparable experience
• Strong analytical, quantitative, mechanical, and problem-solving skills
• Interest in working with scientific instrumentation, experimental systems, laboratory equipment, and/or environmental measurement technologies
• Ability to work effectively across multiple technical disciplines and learn new scientific methods, procedures, and equipment
• Strong organizational, documentation, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to pass required background checks, as well as pre-employment and random drug screenings
• Experience or academic research involving aerosols, aerobiology, microbiology, or related laboratory sciences
• Hands-on experience with aerosol generation, measurement, collection, characterization, or sample processing
• Experience with biosafety practices, procedures, and laboratory protocols
• Experience working in a BSL-2 and/or aerosol laboratory environment
• Experience conducting environmental or air-quality measurements and sampling
• Familiarity with scientific instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems
• Experience with laboratory experimental design, protocol development, or test-system development
• Experience developing, integrating, modifying, or applying instrumentation and/or commercial off-the-shelf equipment for research applications
• Experience with field sampling, environmental monitoring, or field-based research
• Knowledge of microbiology, aseptic technique, culture methods, molecular methods, or related laboratory practices
• Experience with data processing, analysis, visualization, or programming
• Familiarity with mechanical or electrical systems, sensors, controls, or instrumentation
• Experience troubleshooting, maintaining, calibrating, or repairing scientific or laboratory equipment
• Familiarity with QA/QC procedures, QAPPs, SOPs, or Good Laboratory Practice principles
• Experience preparing technical reports, procedures, protocols, laboratory records, or other technical documentation

Pay and benefits

ERG offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, educational benefits, FSAs, a generous 401k plan, profit sharing, an EAP, 11-20 paid vacation days per year, 10 paid holidays per year, 56 hours or more of sick leave (based on the state you work in) per year (pro-rated for part-time) and more. The salary range for all positions depends on the years and type of experience.

Please be aware, the only authentic corporate domain for ERG is ERG may, on occasion, screen applicants via telephone or video interviews via Skype, Teams, GoToMeeting, or another type of video platform. However, any candidate extended a job offer might be asked to meet in person with an ERG employee before providing confidential personal information associated with new employment.

ERG fosters a friendly, flexible work environment. ERGers are dedicated to serving clients who are committed to making the world a better place. We promote and recognize principles of fairness and respect in the work we do, the partnerships we foster, and the culture we value both within and outside of our organization.